Living in Abbotsford

With a population of more than 140,000 people, Abbotsford is a vibrant city to live and work in. Despite its large population and ever-increasing dining, service and shopping options, the cost of living is notably lower than within the Lower Mainland. But Abbotsford, as the fifth largest city in British Columbia, still faces the same exciting policing challenges that can be found in the Greater Vancouver area.

Along with a lower cost of living, Abbotsford affords you the opportunity to live close to where you work, minimizing or eliminating your commute and freeing up personal time for you to take part in the activities you love.

Our lifestyle is laid back but active, and everyone will find something they love to do. Lovers of the great outdoors will discover amazing hiking, from mountain vistas to turquoise lakes; if you like arts and culture, Abbotsford has a vibrant theatre and arts scene, including an annual Art Walk and two art galleries. The city has 46 schools; two shopping malls that also feature enticing dining options and a state-of-the-art movie theatre; and the Abbotsford Centre, a venue for concerts, ice shows, and other exciting events. Abbotsford is also the site of the Abbotsford International Airshow, the Agrifair, and it was the host city for the 2016 B.C. Summer Games.

Abbotsford is only five minutes from the Sumas border with the United States, where wait times are often shorter than other crossings, and the growing Abbotsford International Airport has flights across Canada and the United States as well as into Mexico and the Caribbean.

As "The City in the Country," Abbotsford is a unique blend of rural and urban, bringing you the best of both worlds. Here, you’ll be able to put down roots and enjoy a close sense of community while still enjoying everything the big city has to offer.

If you've never been to Abbotsford—or haven't been here for a while—we encourage you to come spend a day and experience its special blend of city, nature, and community. Our city speaks for itself.

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